The Tampa Police Department (TPD) is asking for the public’s help identifying a suspect involved in a shooting that left one man dead in Old West Tampa on Father’s Day.
According to TPD, officers were in the area of W. Main St. and N. Albany Ave. shortly after 10 p.m. on June 21, dispersing a large crowd when they heard gunfire.
Officers ran toward the sound of the shots and found an adult male suffering from critical injuries. Police provided assistance until he was taken to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The victim was identified as 29-year-old Kevondre Thomas.
TPD said dozens of people were near Thomas and hundreds of people were in the surrounding area before the shooting. A witness told officers a verbal argument between unknown parties escalated into gunfire.
Following the incident, social media users speculated that an officer was involved in the shooting. TPD said those claims are false and confirmed no officers discharged their firearms during the incident.
The department said officers were wearing body cameras and the footage captured the response.
TPD is asking the community to look past online rumors and help investigators identify the person responsible.
Anyone with information is asked to call TPD at (813) 231-6130 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.